The Eminent Farmer & Homemaker program began in 1927 by South Dakota State College, now South Dakota State University. The purpose was to recognize and to express appreciation to outstanding farmers/ranchers and homemakers in South Dakota; these people are the outstanding leaders in rural South Dakota.

This program has been continuous since 1927 with the exception of 1942, 1943, and 1945. In 2011, the name was changed to Eminent Farmer/Rancher & Homemaker. The program is sponsored by the South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences and the College of Education & Human Sciences.

The honorees have come from all parts of South Dakota. Their leadership has influenced their communities, our state, and the nation. These people, their homes, farms, and families are an integral part of the state of South Dakota.

The Eminent Farmer/Ranchers & Homemakers are nominated by people in their community and have not applied for this honor. The honorees have gone the extra mile and given unselfishly of their time, talent, and leadership to enhance their churches, schools, homes, and agriculture, resulting in a betterment of family, communities, the state, and the nation.